Jets’ Darnold sharp in pro debut

Sam Darnold entered the game in the second quarter to a loud ovation. It didn’t take long for the first-round pick from USC to give the crowd something to cheer.

On the second series of his NFL debut, the rookie quarterback made a case for saving the Jets franchise. Darnold led a 64-yard drive that resulted in his first NFL touchdown pass in the Jets’ 17-0 win over the Falcons in East Rutherford, N.J.

Darnold was flushed out of the pocket from the 14. He rolled right and fired a 14-yard bullet to Charles Johnson for the score with 52 seconds left in the first half.

“I was a little nervous going out there,” Darnold said. “But I think more just excited to finally be able to play in an NFL game, even though it is preseason.”

Darnold finished 13-for-18 passing for 96 yards. He is competing with returning starter Josh McCown (1-for-1 passing, four yards) and former Minnesota starter Teddy Bridgewater (7-for-8, 85 yards, one touchdown) for the top quarterback job.

“I’m not going to jump to any conclusions after one game,” coach Todd Bowles said.

Miami Dolphins receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson kneel during the national anthem as they prepare to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. (Charles Trainor Jr./Miami Herald/TNS) less

Miami Dolphins receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson kneel during the national anthem as they prepare to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. ... more

Photo: Charles Trainor Jr., TNS

Photo: Charles Trainor Jr., TNS

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Miami Dolphins receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson kneel during the national anthem as they prepare to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. (Charles Trainor Jr./Miami Herald/TNS) less

Miami Dolphins receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson kneel during the national anthem as they prepare to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. ... more

Photo: Charles Trainor Jr., TNS

Jets’ Darnold sharp in pro debut

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Trump scolds players: President Trump again lashed out at NFL players who refuse to stand for the national anthem, saying “most of them are unable to define” what they’re demonstrating against. Trump said players should “Be happy, be cool!”

Player demonstrations took place during the national anthem at several NFL preseason games Thursday night. Players have been protesting police killings of black men, social injustice and racism.

Trump tweeted that players “make a fortune doing what they love” and that those who refuse to stand “proudly” for the anthem should be suspended without pay.

Injury report: Indianapolis rookie receiver Deon Cain suffered a season-ending knee injury and running backs Marlon Mack and Robert Turbin are week-to-week after sustaining other injuries Thursday during an exhibition game against Seattle. Cain appeared to be in position to challenge for one of the top three jobs in the receiving rotation. ... Washington rookie running back Derrius Guice is out for the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee. Guice was injured in his team’s exhibition opener at New England on Thursday.